§ Mr. JOELasked the Minister of Health the number of empty or relatively empty reservoirs now in this country and the towns which normally rely on such reservoirs; and the precautions which are being taken to safeguard the well-being of the townsfolk affected?
Sir H. YOUNGI am not aware of any empty or relatively empty reservoirs. In some areas reserves are seriously low. Active steps have been taken in these areas to conserve supplies, with the cooperation of consumers, and to augment the supplies. Where further powers are necessary these can be obtained expeditiously by procedure under the Water Supplies (Exceptional Shortage Orders) Act recently passed.